Doped electrode for dram applications

ABSTRACT

A metal oxide first electrode layer for a MIM DRAM capacitor is formed wherein the first and/or second electrode layers contain one or more dopants up to a total doping concentration that will not prevent the electrode layers from crystallizing during a subsequent anneal step. One or more of the dopants has a work function greater than about 5.0 eV. One or more of the dopants has a resistivity less than about 1000 μΩ cm. Advantageously, the electrode layers are conductive molybdenum oxide.

This document relates to the subject matter of a joint researchagreement between Intermolecular, Inc. and Elpida Memory, Inc

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the use of non-noble metalelectrodes in capacitors used in Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dynamic Random Access Memory utilizes capacitors to store bits ofinformation within an integrated circuit. A capacitor is formed byplacing a dielectric material between two electrodes formed fromconductive materials. A capacitor's ability to hold electrical charge(i.e., capacitance) is a function of the surface area of the capacitorplates A, the distance between the capacitor plates d (i.e. the physicalthickness of the dielectric layer), and the relative dielectric constantor k-value of the dielectric material. The capacitance is given by:

$\begin{matrix}{C = {{\kappa ɛ}_{o}\frac{A}{d}}} & \left( {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 1} \right)\end{matrix}$

where ε_(o) represents the vacuum permittivity.

The dielectric constant is a measure of a material's polarizability.Therefore, the higher the dielectric constant of a material, the moreelectrical charge the capacitor can hold. Therefore, for a given desiredcapacitance, if the k-value of the dielectric is increased, the area ofthe capacitor can be decreased to maintain the same cell capacitance.Reducing the size of capacitors within the device is important for theminiaturization of integrated circuits. This allows the packing ofmillions (mega-bit (Mb)) or billions (giga-bit (Gb)) of memory cellsinto a single semiconductor device. The goal is to maintain a large cellcapacitance (generally ˜10 to 25 fF) and a low leakage current(generally <10⁻⁷ A cm⁻²). The physical thickness of the dielectriclayers in DRAM capacitors could not be reduced unlimitedly in order toavoid leakage current caused by tunneling mechanisms which exponentiallyincreases as the thickness of the dielectric layer decreases.

Traditionally, SiO₂ has been used as the dielectric material andsemiconducting materials (semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor [SIS]cell designs) have been used as the electrodes. The cell capacitance wasmaintained by increasing the area of the capacitor using very complexcapacitor morphologies while also decreasing the thickness of the SiO₂dielectric layer. Increases of the leakage current above the desiredspecifications have demanded the development of new capacitorgeometries, new electrode materials, and new dielectric materials. Celldesigns have migrated to metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) and now tometal-insulator-metal (MIM) cell designs for higher performance.

Typically, DRAM devices at technology nodes of 80nm and below use MIMcapacitors wherein the electrode materials are metals. These electrodematerials generally have higher conductivities than the semiconductorelectrode materials, higher work functions, exhibit improved stabilityover the semiconductor electrode materials, and exhibit reduceddepletion effects. The electrode materials must have high conductivityto ensure fast device speeds. Representative examples of electrodematerials for MIM capacitors are metals, conductive metal oxides,conductive metal silicides, conductive metal nitrides (i.e. TiN), orcombinations thereof. MIM capacitors in these DRAM applications utilizeinsulating materials having a dielectric constant, or k-value,significantly higher than that of SiO₂ (k=3.9). For DRAM capacitors, thegoal is to utilize dielectric materials with k values greater than about20. Such materials are generally classified as high-k materials.Representative examples of high-k materials for MIM capacitors arenon-conducting metal oxides, non-conducting metal nitrides,non-conducting metal silicates or combinations thereof. Thesedielectrics may also include additional dopant materials.

One class of high-k dielectric materials possessing the characteristicsrequired for implementation in advanced DRAM capacitors are high-k metaloxide materials. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a metal oxide dielectricmaterial which displays significant promise in terms of serving as ahigh-k dielectric material for implementation in DRAM capacitors.

The dielectric constant of a dielectric material may be dependent uponthe crystalline phase(s) of the material. For example, in the case ofTiO₂, the anatase crystalline phase of TiO₂ has a dielectric constant ofapproximately 40, while the rutile crystalline phase of TiO₂ can have adielectric constant of approximately >80. Due to the higher-k value ofthe rutile-phase, it is desirable to produce TiO₂ based DRAM capacitorswith the TiO₂ in the rutile-phase. The relative amounts of the anatasephase and the rutile phase can be determined from x-ray diffraction(XRD). From Eqn. 1 above, a TiO₂ layer in the rutile-phase could bephysically thicker and maintain the desired capacitance. The increasedphysical thickness is important for lowering the leakage current of thecapacitor. The anatase phase will transition to the rutile phase at hightemperatures (>800C). However, high temperature processes areundesirable in the manufacture of DRAM devices.

The crystal phase of an underlying layer can be used to influence thegrowth of a specific crystal phase of a subsequent material if theircrystal structures are similar and their lattice constants are similar.This technique is well known in technologies such as epitaxial growth.The same concepts have been extended to the growth of thin films wherethe underlying layer can be used as a “template” to encourage the growthof a desired phase over other competing crystal phases.

Conductive metal oxides, conductive metal silicides, conductive metalnitrides, conductive metal carbides, or combinations thereof compriseother classes of materials that may be suitable as DRAM capacitorelectrodes. Generally, transition metals and their conductive binarycompounds form good candidates as electrode materials. The transitionmetals exist in several oxidation states. Therefore, a wide variety ofcompounds are possible. Different compounds may have different crystalstructures, electrical properties, etc. It is important to utilize theproper compound for the desired application.

In one example, molybdenum has several binary oxides of which MoO₂ andMoO₃ are two examples. These two oxides of molybdenum have differentproperties. MoO₂ has shown great promise as an electrode material inDRAM capacitors. MoO₂ has a distorted rutile crystal structure andserves as an acceptable template to promote the deposition of therutile-phase of TiO₂ as discussed above. MoO₂ also has a high workfunction (can be >5.0 eV depending on process history) which helps tominimize the leakage current of the DRAM device. However, oxygen-richphases (MoO_(2+x)) degrade the performance of the MoO₂ electrode becausethey do not promote the deposition of the rutile-phase of TiO₂. Forexample, MoO₃ (the most oxygen-rich phase) has an orthorhombic crystalstructure.

Generally, a deposited thin film may be amorphous, crystalline, or amixture thereof. Furthermore, several different crystalline phases mayexist. Therefore, processes (both deposition and post-treatment) must bedeveloped to maximize the formation of crystalline MoO₂ and to minimizethe presence of MoO_(2+x) phases. Deposition processes andpost-treatment processes in a reducing atmosphere have been developedthat allow crystalline MoO₂ to be used as the first electrode (i.e.bottom electrode) in MIM DRAM capacitors with TiO₂ or doped-TiO₂ high-kdielectric materials. Examples of the post-treatment process are furtherdescribed in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/084,666 filed on Apr. 12,2011, entitled “METHOD FOR FABRICATING A DRAM CAPACITOR” which isincorporated herein by reference. Other conductive metal oxides that maybe used as a template for the rutile phase of TiO₂ include theconductive compounds of molybdenum oxide, tungsten oxide, rutheniumoxide, iron oxide, iridium oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, tinoxide, cobalt oxide, or nickel oxide.

The use of MoO₂ as a first electrode has a number of additional issues.Although the work function can be around 5.0 eV, this is not high enoughto minimize the leakage current to meet the specifications of someadvanced devices. Additionally, the resistivity of MoO₂ is high (˜1000μΩ cm). This impacts the speed and power usage of the device.

Therefore, there is a need to develop processes that allow the formationof a metal oxide first electrode that can serve as a template for therutile phase of TiO₂, has a high work function that contributes to lowerleakage current, and has low resistivity which contributes to higherdevice speed and lower power usage.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments of the present invention, a metal oxide firstelectrode layer is formed as part of a MIM DRAM capacitor stack.Optionally, a buffer layer may be formed between the first electrodelayer and the substrate to improve adhesion and to promote the growth ofspecific crystalline phases. The first electrode layer is doped with oneor more dopants. The dopants increase the work function of the firstelectrode layer and/or lower the resistivity of the first electrodelayer. The dopants may be uniformly distributed throughout the firstelectrode layer or may be distributed with a gradient in theirconcentration profile.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a metal oxide secondelectrode layer is formed as part of a MIM DRAM capacitor stack. Thesecond electrode layer is doped with one or more dopants. The dopantsincrease the work function of the second electrode layer and/or lowerthe resistivity of the second electrode layer. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the second electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. The drawings are not to scale and the relative dimensionsof various elements in the drawings are depicted schematically and notnecessarily to scale.

The techniques of the present invention can readily be understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method for fabricating aDRAM capacitor stack in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method for fabricating aDRAM capacitor stack in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method for fabricating aDRAM capacitor stack in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a DRAM capacitorstack fabricated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a DRAM capacitorstack fabricated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a DRAM capacitorstack fabricated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a DRAM capacitorstack fabricated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a DRAM memorycell fabricated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A detailed description of one or more embodiments is provided belowalong with accompanying figures. The detailed description is provided inconnection with such embodiments, but is not limited to any particularexample. The scope is limited only by the claims and numerousalternatives, modifications, and equivalents are encompassed. Numerousspecific details are set forth in the following description in order toprovide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for thepurpose of example and the described techniques may be practicedaccording to the claims without some or all of these specific details.For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in thetechnical fields related to the embodiments has not been described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description.

FIG. 1 describes a method, 100, for fabricating a DRAM capacitor stack.The initial step, 102, comprises forming a first electrode layer on asubstrate, wherein the first electrode layer comprises a metal element.Examples of suitable electrode materials comprise metals, conductivemetal oxides, conductive metal silicides, conductive metal nitrides, andcombinations thereof. A particularly interesting class of materials isthe conductive metal oxides. The first electrode is formed with one ormore dopants added that alter the work function and/or the resistivityof the first electrode. The dopants may be uniformly distributedthroughout the second electrode layer or may be distributed with agradient in their concentration profile. The first electrode layer canthen be subjected to an annealing process (not shown). The next step,104, comprises forming a dielectric material on the first electrodelayer. Optionally, the dielectric layer can then be subjected to a postdielectric anneal (PDA) treatment (not shown). The PDA step serves tocrystallize the dielectric layer and fill oxygen vacancies. The nextstep, 106, comprises forming a second electrode on the dielectric layer,wherein the second electrode layer comprises a metal element. Examplesof suitable electrode materials comprise metals, conductive metaloxides, conductive metal silicides, conductive metal nitrides, andcombinations thereof. Optionally, the capacitor stack can then besubjected to PMA treatment process (not shown). Examples of the PDA andPMA treatments are further described in U.S. application Ser. No.13/159,842 filed on Jun. 14, 2011, entitled “METHOD OF PROCESSING MIMCAPACITORS TO REDUCE LEAKAGE CURRENT' and is incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 2 describes a method, 200, for fabricating a DRAM capacitor stack.The initial step, 202, comprises forming a first electrode layer on asubstrate, wherein the first electrode layer comprises a metal element.The next step, 204, comprises forming a dielectric material on the firstelectrode layer. Optionally, the dielectric layer can then be subjectedto a post dielectric anneal (PDA) treatment (not shown). The PDA stepserves to crystallize the dielectric layer and fill oxygen vacancies.The next step, 206, comprises forming a second electrode on thedielectric layer, wherein the second electrode layer comprises a metalelement. Examples of suitable second electrode materials comprisemetals, conductive metal oxides, conductive metal silicides, conductivemetal nitrides, and combinations thereof. A particularly interestingclass of materials is the conductive metal oxides. The second electrodeis formed with one or more dopants added that alter the work functionand/or the resistivity of the second electrode. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the second electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. Optionally,the capacitor stack can then be subjected to PMA treatment process (notshown).

FIG. 3 describes a method, 300, for fabricating a DRAM capacitor stack.The initial step, 302, comprises forming a first electrode layer on asubstrate, wherein the first electrode layer comprises a metal element.Examples of suitable electrode materials comprise metals, conductivemetal oxides, conductive metal silicides, conductive metal nitrides, andcombinations thereof. A particularly interesting class of materials isthe conductive metal oxides. The first electrode is formed with one ormore first dopants added that alter the work function and/or theresistivity of the first electrode. The dopants may be uniformlydistributed throughout the second electrode layer or may be distributedwith a gradient in their concentration profile. The first electrodelayer can then be subjected to an annealing process (not shown). Thenext step, 304, comprises forming a dielectric material on the firstelectrode layer. Optionally, the dielectric layer can then be subjectedto a post dielectric anneal (PDA) treatment (not shown). The PDA stepserves to crystallize the dielectric layer and fill oxygen vacancies.The next step, 306, comprises forming a second electrode on thedielectric layer, wherein the second electrode layer comprises a metalelement. Examples of suitable second electrode materials comprisemetals, conductive metal oxides, conductive metal silicides, conductivemetal nitrides, and combinations thereof. A particularly interestingclass of materials is the conductive metal oxides. The second electrodeis formed with one or more second dopants added that alter the workfunction and/or the resistivity of the second electrode. The dopants maybe uniformly distributed throughout the second electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. The firstand second dopants may be the same or may be different materials.Optionally, the capacitor stack can then be subjected to PMA treatmentprocess (not shown).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the firstelectrode layer, the dielectric layer, and the second electrodestructure used in the MIM DRAM capacitor may be formed using any commonformation technique such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), plasmaenhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD), atomic vapor deposition(AVD), ultraviolet assisted atomic layer deposition (UV-ALD), chemicalvapor deposition (CVD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition(PECVD), or physical vapor deposition (PVD). Generally, because of thecomplex morphology of the DRAM capacitor structure, ALD, PE-ALD, AVD, orCVD are preferred methods of formation. However, any of these techniquesare suitable for forming each of the various layers discussed below.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the teachings describedbelow are not limited by the technology used for the deposition process.

In FIGS. 4-8 below, a capacitor stack is illustrated using a simpleplanar structure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thedescription and teachings to follow can be readily applied to any simpleor complex capacitor morphology. The drawings are for illustrativepurposes only and do not limit the application of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a simple capacitor stack, 400, consistent with someembodiments of the present invention. Using the method as outlined inFIG. 1 and described above, first electrode layer, 402, is formed onsubstrate, 401. Generally, the substrate has already received severalprocessing steps in the manufacture of a full DRAM device. Firstelectrode layer, 402, comprises one of metals, conductive metal oxides,conductive metal nitrides, conductive metal silicides, etc. In someembodiments of the present invention, the first electrode layer is aconductive metal oxide. The first electrode is formed with one or moredopants added that alter the work function and/or the resistivity of thesecond electrode. The dopants may be uniformly distributed throughoutthe second electrode layer or may be distributed with a gradient intheir concentration profile.

Dopants may be added to the first electrode layer to alter propertiessuch as the work function and the resistivity. The dopants may be addedto the first electrode layer by introducing the dopant species duringthe formation of the first electrode layer. Typically, the firstelectrode layers are formed using ALD or CVD technologies. In thesecases, precursors containing the dopant atoms may be introduced duringthe process sequence of the ALD or CVD deposition step. The dopants maybe metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal silicides, metalcarbides, or combinations thereof (i.e. metal-silicon-nitride, ormetal-silicon-oxygen-nitride, etc). The goal is to choose dopants thathave work function values greater than about 5.0 eV. Examples of a fewmetal and metal oxide dopants and their corresponding work functionvalues include Ni (5.35 eV), Ir (5.67 eV), Pt (5.64 eV), RuO₂ (rutile−5.1 eV), IrO₂ (rutile −5.6 eV), NiO (5.2 eV). These dopants may beadded individually or may be added in combination. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the first electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. A secondclass of dopants may be added to the first electrode to lower theresistivity. The dopants may be metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides,metal silicides, metal carbides, or combinations thereof (i.e.metal-silicon-nitride, or metal-silicon-oxygen-nitride, etc). Twoexamples of metal oxide materials with low resistivity are IrO₂ (˜50 μΩcm) and RuO₂ (˜35 μΩ cm). The goal is to choose dopants that haveresistivity values less than about 1000 μΩ cm. These dopants may beadded individually or may be added in combination. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the first electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. RuO₂ andIrO₂ are examples of dopants that may improve the work function andlower the resistivity (i.e. they serve both rolls). The dopants will beadded to a concentration that will not negatively impact the ability ofthe first electrode layer to form the desired crystalline phase to serveas a template for the rutile phase of TiO₂ formed in a subsequent step.The maximum doping concentration will vary depending on the dopantmaterial and subsequent anneal conditions. Generally, the dopingconcentration is chosen such that it does not prevent the firstelectrode from crystallizing during the subsequent anneal step. As usedherein, the first electrode will be considered to be crystallized if itis ≧30% crystalline after the anneal as determined by techniques such asx-ray diffraction (XRD). The first electrode, 402, can be annealed tocrystallize the material.

In the next step, dielectric layer, 404, would then be formed on thefirst electrode layer, 402. A wide variety of dielectric materials havebeen targeted for use in DRAM capacitors. Examples of suitabledielectric materials comprise SiO₂, a bilayer of SiO₂ and Si_(x)N_(y),SiON, Al₂O₃, HfO₂, HfSiO_(x), ZrO₂, Ta₂O₅, TiO₂, SrTiO₃ (STO),BaSrTiO_(x) (BST), PbZrTiO_(x) (PZT), or doped versions of the same.These dielectric materials may be formed as a single layer or may beformed as a hybrid or nanolaminate structure. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, the dielectric layer is TiO₂. Typically, dielectriclayer, 404, is subjected to a PDA treatment before the formation of thesecond electrode as mentioned earlier.

In the next step, the second electrode layer, 406, is formed ondielectric layer, 404. The second electrode layer comprises one ofmetals, conductive metal oxides, conductive metal nitrides, conductivemetal silicides, conductive metal carbides, etc. Typically, thecapacitor stack would then be subjected to a PMA treatment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a simple capacitor stack, 500, consistent with someembodiments of the present invention. Using the method as outlined inFIG. 2 and described above, first electrode layer, 502, is formed onsubstrate, 501. Generally, the substrate has already received severalprocessing steps in the manufacture of a full DRAM device. Firstelectrode layer, 502, comprises one of metals, conductive metal oxides,conductive metal nitrides, conductive metal silicides, etc. In someembodiments of the present invention, the first electrode layer is aconductive metal oxide. The first electrode, 502, can be annealed tocrystallize the material.

In the next step, dielectric layer, 504, would then be formed on thefirst electrode layer, 502. A wide variety of dielectric materials havebeen targeted for use in DRAM capacitors. Examples of suitabledielectric materials comprise SiO₂, a bilayer of SiO₂ and Si_(x)N_(y),SiON, Al₂O₃, HfO₂, HfSiO_(x), ZrO₂, Ta₂O₅, TiO₂, SrTiO₃ (STO),BaSrTiO_(x) (BST), PbZrTiO_(x) (PZT), or doped versions of the same.These dielectric materials may be formed as a single layer or may beformed as a hybrid or nanolaminate structure. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, the dielectric layer is TiO₂. Typically, dielectriclayer, 504, is subjected to a PDA treatment before the formation of thesecond electrode as mentioned earlier.

In the next step, the second electrode layer, 506, is formed ondielectric layer, 504. The second electrode layer comprises one ofmetals, conductive metal oxides, conductive metal nitrides, conductivemetal silicides, conductive metal carbides, etc. The second electrode isformed with one or more dopants added that alter the work functionand/or the resistivity of the second electrode. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the second electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile.

Dopants may be added to the second electrode layer to alter propertiessuch as the work function and the resistivity. The dopants may be addedto the second electrode layer by introducing the dopant species duringthe formation of the second electrode layer. Typically, the secondelectrode layers are formed using ALD or CVD technologies. In thesecases, precursors containing the dopant atoms may be introduced duringthe process sequence of the ALD or CVD deposition step. The dopants maybe metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal silicides, metalcarbides, or combinations thereof (i.e. metal-silicon-nitride, ormetal-silicon-oxygen-nitride, etc). The goal is to choose dopants thathave work function values greater than about 5.0 eV. Examples of a fewmetal and metal oxide dopants and their corresponding work functionvalues include Ni (5.35 eV), Ir (5.67 eV), Pt (5.64 eV), RuO₂ (rutile−5.1 eV), IrO₂ (rutile −5.6 eV), NiO (5.2 eV). These dopants may beadded individually or may be added in combination. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the second electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. A secondclass of dopants may be added to the second electrode to lower theresistivity. The dopants may be metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides,metal silicides, metal carbides, or combinations thereof (i.e.metal-silicon-nitride, or metal-silicon-oxygen-nitride, etc). Twoexamples of metal oxide materials with low resistivity are IrO₂ (˜50 μΩcm) and RuO₂ (˜35 μΩ cm). The goal is to choose dopants that haveresistivity values less than about 1000 μΩ cm. These dopants may beadded individually or may be added in combination. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the second electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. RuO₂ andIrO₂ are examples of dopants that may improve the work function andlower the resistivity (i.e. they serve both rolls). The maximum dopingconcentration will vary depending on the dopant material and subsequentanneal conditions. Generally, the doping concentration is chosen suchthat it does not prevent the second electrode from crystallizing duringthe subsequent anneal step. As used herein, the second electrode will beconsidered to be crystallized if it is ≧30% crystalline after the annealas determined by techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD). Typically,the capacitor stack would then be subjected to a PMA treatment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simple capacitor stack, 600, consistent with someembodiments of the present invention. Using the method as outlined inFIG. 3 and described above, first electrode layer, 602, is formed onsubstrate, 601. Generally, the substrate has already received severalprocessing steps in the manufacture of a full DRAM device. Firstelectrode layer, 602, comprises one of metals, conductive metal oxides,conductive metal nitrides, conductive metal silicides, etc. In someembodiments of the present invention, the first electrode layer is aconductive metal oxide. The first electrode is formed with one or morefirst dopants added that alter the work function and/or the resistivityof the second electrode as described previously. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the first electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. The firstelectrode, 602, can be annealed to crystallize the material.

In the next step, dielectric layer, 604, would then be formed on thefirst electrode layer, 602. A wide variety of dielectric materials havebeen targeted for use in DRAM capacitors. Examples of suitabledielectric materials comprise SiO₂, a bilayer of SiO₂ and Si_(x)N_(y),SiON, Al₂O₃, HfO₂, HfSiO_(x), ZrO₂, Ta₂O₅, TiO₂, SrTiO₃ (STO),BaSrTiO_(x) (BST), PbZrTiO_(x) (PZT), or doped versions of the same.These dielectric materials may be formed as a single layer or may beformed as a hybrid or nanolaminate structure. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, the dielectric layer is TiO₂. Typically, dielectriclayer, 604, is subjected to a PDA treatment before the formation of thesecond electrode as mentioned earlier.

In the next step, the second electrode layer, 606, is formed ondielectric layer, 604. The second electrode layer comprises one ofmetals, conductive metal oxides, conductive metal nitrides, conductivemetal silicides, conductive metal carbides, etc. The second electrode isformed with one or more second dopants added that alter the workfunction and/or the resistivity of the second electrode as describedpreviously. The dopants may be uniformly distributed throughout thesecond electrode layer or may be distributed with a gradient in theirconcentration profile. The first and second dopants may be the same ormay be different materials. Typically, the capacitor stack would then besubjected to a PMA treatment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a simple capacitor stack, 700, consistent with someembodiments of the present invention. Using the method as outlined inFIG. 1 and described above, first electrode layer, 702, is formed onsubstrate, 701. Generally, the substrate has already received severalprocessing steps in the manufacture of a full DRAM device. Firstelectrode layer, 702, comprises one of metals, conductive metal oxides,conductive metal nitrides, conductive metal silicides, conductive metalcarbides, etc. For this example, first electrode layer, 702, comprises aconductive metal oxide that may serve to promote the rutile phase ofTiO₂. Examples of such conductive metal oxides include the conductivecompounds of molybdenum oxide, tungsten oxide, ruthenium oxide, ironoxide, iridium oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, tin oxide, cobaltoxide, or nickel oxide. Specific electrode materials of interest are theconductive metal compounds of molybdenum oxide, tungsten oxide, tinoxide, and cobalt oxide.

Optionally, a buffer layer may be formed between the first electrodelayer and the substrate. The buffer layer may improve the adhesion ofthe first electrode layer to the substrate. Additionally, the bufferlayer may promote the formation of specific crystalline phases in thefirst electrode. As an example, it would be advantageous to promote thegrowth of the crystalline MoO₂ phase of molybdenum oxide so that it canserve as a template for the growth of the rutile phase of TiO₂ in asubsequent step. Generally, conductive metal nitride materials aresuitable as buffer layers. An example of a buffer layer materialincludes Mo_(x)N.

In addition to MoO₂, other suitable conductive metal oxides that mayserve as a template for the growth of the rutile phase of TiO₂ in asubsequent step comprise the conductive compounds of molybdenum oxide,tungsten oxide, ruthenium oxide, iron oxide, iridium oxide, chromiumoxide, manganese oxide, tin oxide, cobalt oxide, or nickel oxide.

Dopants may be added to the first electrode layer to alter propertiessuch as the work function and the resistivity. The dopants may be addedto the first electrode layer by introducing the dopant species duringthe formation of the first electrode layer. Typically, the firstelectrode layers are formed using ALD or CVD technologies. In thesecases, precursors containing the dopant atoms may be introduced duringthe process sequence of the ALD or CVD deposition step. The dopants maybe metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal silicides, metalcarbides, or combinations thereof (i.e. metal-silicon-nitride, ormetal-silicon-oxygen-nitride, etc). The goal is to choose dopants thathave work function values greater than about 5.0 eV. Examples of a fewmetal and metal oxide dopants and their corresponding work functionvalues include Ni (5.35 eV), Ir (5.67 eV), Pt (5.64 eV), RuO₂ (rutile−5.1 eV), IrO₂ (rutile −5.6 eV), NiO (5.2 eV). These dopants may beadded individually or may be added in combination. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the first electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. A secondclass of dopants may be added to the first electrode to lower theresistivity. The dopants may be metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides,metal silicides, metal carbides, or combinations thereof (i.e.metal-silicon-nitride, or metal-silicon-oxygen-nitride, etc). Twoexamples of metal oxide materials with low resistivity are IrO₂ (˜50 μΩcm) and RuO₂ (˜35 μΩ cm). The goal is to choose dopants that haveresistivity values less than about 1000 μΩ cm. These dopants may beadded individually or may be added in combination. The dopants may beuniformly distributed throughout the first electrode layer or may bedistributed with a gradient in their concentration profile. RuO₂ andIrO₂ are examples of dopants that may improve the work function andlower the resistivity (i.e. they serve both rolls). The dopants will beadded to a concentration that will not negatively impact the ability ofthe first electrode layer to form the desired crystalline phase to serveas a template for the rutile phase of TiO₂ formed in a subsequent step.The maximum doping concentration will vary depending on the dopantmaterial and subsequent anneal conditions. Generally, the dopingconcentration is chosen such that it does not prevent the firstelectrode from crystallizing during the subsequent anneal step. As usedherein, the first electrode will be considered to be crystallized if itis ≧30% crystalline after the anneal as determined by technique such asx-ray diffraction (XRD).

Optionally, first electrode, 702, can be annealed to crystallize thematerial. In the case of crystalline MoO₂, it is advantageous to annealthe first electrode in a reducing atmosphere to prevent the formation ofoxygen-rich compounds as discussed earlier.

In one example of the present invention, a first electrode comprisingbetween about 5 nm and about 15 nm of molybdenum oxide is formed on asubstrate. The molybdenum oxide electrode material is formed at aprocess temperature between about 125C and about 400C using an ALDprocess technology. One or more dopants are added to the molybdenumoxide which alter the work function and the resistivity. Examples ofsuitable dopants comprise Ni, Ir, Pt, RuO₂, IrO₂, NiO or combinationsthereof. Advantageously, the dopants comprise RuO₂, IrO₂, orcombinations thereof. Optionally, the substrate with the first electrodeis then annealed in a reducing atmosphere comprising between about 1%and about 10% H₂ in N₂ or other inert gases and advantageously betweenabout 5% and about 10% H₂ in N₂ or other inert gases between about 400Cand about 650C for between about 1 millisecond and about 60 minutes.

In the next step, dielectric layer, 704, would then be formed on theannealed first electrode layer, 702. A wide variety of dielectricmaterials have been targeted for use in DRAM capacitors. Examples ofsuitable dielectric materials comprise SiO₂, a bilayer of SiO₂ andSi_(x)N_(y), SiON, Al₂O₃, HfO₂, HfSiO_(x), ZrO₂, Ta₂O₅, TiO₂, SrTiO₃(STO), BaSrTiO_(x) (BST), PbZrTiO_(x) (PZT), or doped versions of thesame. These dielectric materials may be formed as a single layer or maybe formed as a hybrid or nanolaminate structure. Typically, dielectriclayer, 704, is subjected to a PDA treatment before the formation of thesecond electrode as discussed previously. A specific dielectric materialof interest is TiO₂ doped with Al to between about 5 atomic % and about15 atomic % Al. The rutile phase of TiO₂ will form preferentially on theunderlying doped MoO₂ electrode resulting in a higher k value.

In a specific example, the dielectric layer comprises between about 6 nmto about 10 nm of TiO₂ wherein at least 30% of the TiO₂ is present inthe rutile phase. Generally, the TiO₂ dielectric layer may either be asingle film or may comprise a nanolaminate. Advantageously, the TiO₂material is doped with Al at a concentration between about 5 atomic %and about 15 atomic %. The TiO₂ dielectric layer is formed at a processtemperature between about 200C and 350C using an ALD process technology.The substrate with the first electrode and dielectric layer is thenannealed in an oxidizing atmosphere comprising between about 0% O₂ toabout 100% O₂ in N₂ and advantageously between about 0% O₂ to about 20%O₂ in N₂ at temperatures between about 400C to about 600C for betweenabout 1 millisecond to about 60 minutes.

Second electrode, 706, is then formed on dielectric layer, 704. Thesecond electrode is typically a metal such as Ru, Pt, TiN, TaN, TiAlN,W, WN, Mo, MoO₂, Mo₂N, VN, or others. Advantageously, the secondelectrode is MoO₂. The second electrode is typically between about 5 nmand 50 nm in thickness. As discussed previously, the second electrodemay also be doped with one or more dopants to alter the work functionand/or the resistivity of the second electrode as described previously.Typically, the capacitor stack is then subjected to a post metallizationanneal (PMA) treatment. The PMA treatment serves to crystallize thesecond electrode and to anneal defects and interface states that areformed at the dielectric/second electrode interface during thedeposition.

An example of a specific application of some embodiments of the presentinvention is in the fabrication of capacitors used in the memory cellsin DRAM devices. DRAM memory cells effectively use a capacitor to storecharge for a period of time, with the charge being electronically “read”to determine whether a logical “one” or “zero” has been stored in theassociated cell. Conventionally, a cell transistor is used to access thecell. The cell transistor is turned “on” in order to store data on eachassociated capacitor and is otherwise turned “off” to isolate thecapacitor and preserve its charge. More complex DRAM cell structuresexist, but this basic DRAM structure will be used for illustrating theapplication of this disclosure to capacitor manufacturing and to DRAMmanufacturing. FIG. 8 is used to illustrate one DRAM cell, 820,manufactured using a doped first electrode structure as discussedpreviously. The cell, 820, is illustrated schematically to include twoprinciple components, a cell capacitor, 800, and a cell transistor, 802.The cell transistor is usually constituted by a MOS transistor having agate, 814, source, 810, and drain, 812. The gate is usually connected toa word line and one of the source or drain is connected to a bit line.The cell capacitor has a lower or storage electrode and an upper orplate electrode. The storage electrode is connected to the other of thesource or drain and the plate electrode is connected to a referencepotential conductor. The cell transistor is, when selected, turned “on”by an active level of the word line to read or write data from or intothe cell capacitor via the bit line.

As was described previously in connection with FIG. 7, the cellcapacitor, 800, comprises a first electrode, 804, formed on substrate,801. The first electrode, 404, is connected to the source or drain ofthe cell transistor, 802. For illustrative purposes, the first electrodehas been connected to the source, 810, in this example. For the purposesof illustration, first electrode, 804, will be crystalline MoO₂ dopedwith one or more dopants in this example as described previously.Examples of suitable dopants comprise Ni, Ir, Pt, RuO₂, IrO₂, NiO orcombinations thereof. Advantageously, the dopants comprise RuO₂, IrO₂,or combinations thereof. The dopants may be uniformly distributedthroughout the second electrode layer or may be distributed with agradient in their concentration profile. As discussed previously, firstelectrode, 804, may be subjected to an anneal in a reducing atmospherebefore the formation of the dielectric layer to crystallize the MoO₂ andto reduce any MoO_(2+x) compounds that may have formed during theformation of the first electrode. Dielectric layer, 806, is formed ontop of the first electrode. For the purposes of illustration, dielectriclayer, 806, will be rutile-phase TiO₂. As discussed previously, the TiO₂may be doped. Typically, the dielectric layer is then subjected to a PDAtreatment. The second electrode layer, 808, is then formed on top of thedielectric layer. For the purposes of illustration, the second electrodelayer, 808, will be MoO₂ in this example. As discussed previously, thesecond electrode may also be doped with one or more dopants to alter thework function and/or the resistivity of the second electrode asdescribed previously. The capacitor stack is then subjected to a PMAtreatment. This completes the formation of the capacitor stack.

Although the foregoing examples have been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is not limited tothe details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementingthe invention. The disclosed examples are illustrative and notrestrictive.

1. A method for forming a capacitor stack, the method comprising:forming a first electrode layer on a substrate, wherein the firstelectrode layer comprises a metal element; forming a dielectric layer onthe first electrode layer; and forming a second electrode layer on thedielectric layer, wherein the second electrode layer comprises a metalelement, and wherein at least one of the first electrode layer or thesecond electrode layer contains one or more dopants.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first electrode layer comprises one of conductivecompounds of molybdenum oxide, tungsten oxide, iron oxide, chromiumoxide, manganese oxide, tin oxide, or cobalt oxide, wherein the firstelectrode comprises the one or more dopants having a predeterminedconcentration such that the one of the conductive compounds is in acrystalline phase, and wherein the first electrode layer serves as atemplate for a rutile phase of a dielectric material of the dielectriclayer while forming the dielectric layer on the first electrode layer.3. The method of claim 2 wherein at least one of the first electrodelayer or the second electrode layer comprises the conductive compoundsof molybdenum oxide.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or moredopants comprise metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides, metal silicides,metal carbides, or combinations thereof.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein the one or more dopants have a work function value of greaterthan about 5 eV.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or moredopants have a resistivity value of less than about 1000 μΩ cm.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the one or more dopants comprise Ni, Ir, Pt,RuO₂, IrO₂, NiO or combinations thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein the one or more dopants comprise RuO₂, IrO₂, or combinationsthereof.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the one or more dopants in thefirst electrode layer are the same as the one or more dopants in thesecond electrode layer.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the one ormore dopants in the first electrode layer are different from the one ormore dopants in the second electrode layer.
 11. The method of claim 1further comprising annealing the first electrode layer wherein the firstelectrode layer exhibits ≧30% crystallinity after the anneal.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the annealing of the first electrode occursin a reducing atmosphere.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein thereducing atmosphere comprises between about 1% and about 10% H₂ in N₂.14. The method of claim 11 wherein the annealing occurs in a temperaturerange between about 400C and about 650C.
 15. The method of claim 11wherein the annealing occurs in between about 1 millisecond and about 60minutes.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein the dielectric layer containsa dopant.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the dopant comprises Al ata concentration between about 5 atomic % and about 15 atomic %.
 18. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising forming a buffer layer between thesubstrate and the first electrode layer.
 19. The method of claim 18wherein the buffer layer is a conductive metal nitride.
 20. The methodof claim 18 wherein the buffer layer is molybdenum nitride.